A Quezon City councilor is pressing for the early banning of provincial bus terminals in the capitol city. I say early because the way I understand it, as soon as the mega bus terminals that are being erected in the peripheral corridors of Metro Manila are finally put up, provincial bus terminals will no longer be allowed to operate.
Probably for good measure Councilor Ramon Medalla has proposed the passing of an ordinance in Quezon City banning operation of provincial bus terminals in the metropolis, awaiting the much-delayed completion of the mega bus terminals and being fully aware that the presence of these big buses in city streets contributes largely to traffic gridlocks.
However in the past, there were quite a number of proposals of this kind that have been espoused by government transport officials and legislators, only to find them by the wayside after succumbing to the very strong and well-funded lobby of provincial bus operators.
We just hope this proposed measure would not also die a natural death due to “a couple of millions of reasons.”
VW launches two in a row
Volkswagen Philippines continues to make good its promise of bringing to the country one exciting VW model after another with the launch of two VW global models one after the other a little more than a week apart. To start the fireworks for 2015 is the launch of the Polo Hatchback.
The Volkswagen Polo, two-time winner of the World Rally Championship (WRC), is claimed to be the perfect vehicle for young professionals and car lovers. Launched for the first time in 1975, the Polo became one of the most successful cars of VW. Introduced in the Philippines in 2014, the Polo Sedan has created a loyal following among those who prefer both quality and driving pleasure.
A much sought-after variant, the new Polo Hatchback is said to give customers a premium European image in the competitive hatchback segment. It comes with a 1.6-liter, Euro4 emission standard compliant multi-point injection gasoline engine with maximum output of 105ps @ 5,250 rpm, maximum torque of 153Nm @ 3,750 rpm, and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Anti-lock braking system, anti-theft with immobilizer and interior monitoring system, crash-safe body design, front and rear seatbelts, SRS dual front airbags and park distance control are some of the safety features bannered by VW to ensure a secured and protected driving every day.
On the exterior, the Polo Hatchback is stocked with halogen headlamps with range adjustment, front and rear fog lamps, chrome-accent front grille, and 15-inch “Riverside” alloy wheels. Inside, it offers a multi-function leather steering wheel, “Livon” fabric seat material, 60:40 split-folding rear seats, RCD 320 with radio, CD, MP3, Aux-in, SD card/USB slot, Bluetooth connectivity, air-conditioning system and a spacious rear boot.
“The Polo Hatchback is indeed a perfect combination of quality and driving pleasure and is targeted to be one of our volume sellers. Now on its fifth generation, the Polo Hatchback offers excellent levels of comfort, functionality, reliability, and, long-term quality,” said John Philip “JP” Orbeta, president and CEO of VW Philippines.
The Polo Hatchback is competitively priced at P950,000.00 and available in five colors: Copper Orange, Candy White, Night Blue Metallic, Flash Red and Carbon Steel Grey. It is currently at all VW showrooms together with an attractive financing package and a P95,000.00 down payment scheme.
Immediately following in its heels is the launch of the Volkswagen Golf, produced in Germany since 1974 and marketed across seven generations and has been the recipient of several awards globally, which include the 2013 European Car of the Year for the second time (first recognition received was in 1992), 2013 World Car of the Year, 2013-2014 Car of the Year Japan (the first imported car to win the award), among others.
The GTI line was first introduced in 1976 on the 1st generation Golf. With its unmatched success, it popularized the GTI name and made it synonymous with the Golf GTI brand. Now on its 7th generation, the GTI is the ultimate sportsman within the VW sports car family. It combines technological leadership and uncompromised performance making it a sustainable sports car. The GTI is the sports car with true “style and performance”, because it is THE GTI.
The Golf GTI is equipped with a 2.0 turbocharged stratified injection engine with maximum output of 220 ps at 4,500-6,200 rpm and a maximum torque of 350 Nm at 1,500-4,400 rpm; a 6-speed dual shift gear transmission; and, sports suspension.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) with XDS plus technology, engine drag torque control (MSR), electronic parking brake with auto hold, rear assist rear view camera with 8-channel park distance control, driver alert system, airbags (driver, passenger, driver knee, front side and curtain) are some of the safety features of the Golf GTI.
“The Golf GTI is indeed the sports car with true “style and performance,” because it is THE GTI. It is the perfect car for performance seekers looking for fun and excitement,” was how “JP” Orbeta, the dynamic VW Philippines president distinguished it from the recently previously launched Polo Hatch.
Klaus Schadewald, the very amiable Chief Operating Advisor of Volkswagen Philippines gladly guided the invited motoring journalists to the very competitive pricing of the Golf GTI, which is at P2,290,000.00 and available in five colors: Oryx White Pearl, Tornado Red, Night Blue, Limestone Grey and Deep Black Pearl.
The highlight of the Golf GTI launch was the test drive for the media, which was done right in the closed down street in front of the VW dealership and showroom in BGC.
More exciting models are coming up this year from VW Philippines. And you can hold your breath.
2015 Vios Cup is much bigger and more exciting
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) shall again pull all stops in staging the second season of the Toyota Vios Cup, a bigger, better edition that commences with the opener of a four-leg series on March 21 at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.
Around 40 drivers, including a number of celebrity bets, compete in this one-make race highlighting a full-day program that will also feature Drift King Keiici Tsuchiya performing a special drifting exhibition.
Again celebrities will be driving with 32 registered drivers promising a true “waku-doki” experience. In Japanese, this is the feeling of anticipation and the adrenaline rush one gets while about to do something exciting.
The man or “kid” to beat this year is the teenage defending champion Luis Gono, son of business tycoon Carlos Gono, a name synonymous to top-notched premium synthetic oil brand Motul. Ironically, the defending champion, who’s not yet legal to drive in public streets despite having been legally issued a racing license couldn’t make it to the 2015 Vios Cup formal launch due to school commitments.
A total of four legs are scheduled for this year, with the first one happening on March 21 at Clark International Speedway. Similar to the 2014 season, there will be side activities like car-club events and drifting battles. All Vios Cup legs will again be open to the public.
Although not yet formally confirmed by TMP, arrangements are on top gear to have one of its exciting legs in Cebu.
“The Vios has proven that aside from its inherent features of quality, durability and reliability, it is also a car designed for fun. Some of our season one racers should know--the special connection between the car and the driver is oftentimes a bond that words alone cannot completely explain. Perhaps the sound of engines roaring and the smell of rubber burning are still fresh in your heads. Well, sit back and hold on tight: A much-grander race awaits to be witnessed” said TMP president Michinobu Sugata, currently looked up to as the “godfather” of the renaissance of big time racing in the country in his speech during the formal launch.
Porsche World Road Show returns
PGA Cars Inc, the official importer of Porsche vehicles in the Philippines gathered together a slew of high-performance and ultimately luxurious Porsche models to the Clark International Speedway for an encore of the Porsche World Roadshow from February 20 to 26, 2015.
Porsche World Roadshow is a professional event held around the world and organized by Porsche AG from Germany, led by five professional instructors from Porsche AG and experienced management team of PGA Cars. Participants were given the opportunity to experience the sensation of driving a Porsche as well as the performance and safety of the car through the specially designed sessions: handling, braking, slalom, road tour and off road.
For the fourth time since 1999, Porsche has chosen the Philippines to host the Porsche World Roadshow. The participants enjoyed the fun of driving a Porsche and at the same time, perfect their driving skills through the different lessons available.
There were 22 cars from its latest model range specially flown in from Germany such as the Boxster GTS, Cayman GTS, 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera S, 911 Carrera 4, 911 Targa S, the new Cayenne, Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne S, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Turbo, Macan S Diesel, Macan Turbo, Panamera and Panamera S E-Hybrid.
Indeed a very memorable driving experience from PGA Cars.
Did you miss watching the Motoring Today TV show?
Not to worry for those who failed to watch the TV show Motoring Today in the Solar Sports Channel (Channel 70, Sky Cable) last Sunday.
All that needs to be done is to log on to www.motoringtoday.ph and you get to watch the latest motoring news updates, auto care tips, road safety tips, showcase of automobile models, the latest international motor sports events and all the other facets of motoring—Motoring Today ONLINE is now in the web.
Happy Motoring!!!
Email motoringtoday-star@stv.com.ph or sunshine.television@yahoo.com.